Development of PTOA in Rabbits post ACL tear via µMRI Study

This study aims to characterize the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in rabbits following an ACL tear using µMRI to analyze damage to the cartilage/tissue surface. One of the right knees had the ACL torn while the same knee on the left side was unaffected.

The difference in observed T2 values between the injured and non-injured (I vs. NI) was measured in this study, providing useful insight into the development of OA following an ACL tear injury.

Specimens of articular cartilage (n = 6 for 2 weeks, n = 6 for 6 weeks, n=6 for 14 weeks) still attached to the underlying bone from a humerus (shoulder joint) or femur (knee joint) were imaged using µMRI. Quantitative µMRI data with a pixel resolution of 11.7-13.2 µm/pixel showed differences between the sets of injury development times as well as a relationship between time post injury and T2 relaxation values.

Ongoing work for the project involves further analysis of a section of specimens subjected to a high impact on the surface of the joint as opposed to the same ACL tear as the rest of the specimens. Additionally, polar light microscopy (PLM) is being conducted with histological samples of all of the specimens.